In the evening's other match, Carlton edged the Brisbane Lions by 13 points at the Gabba.

The Bombers' win in their annual Dreamtime at the 'G clash with the Tigers was marred by an ankle injury to Michael Hurley, who rolled his foot after landing awkwardly while attempting a mark in the second quarter.

The game started in tight fashion with Essendon leading by just a point after the first quarter, but the lead grew unerringly in the Bombers' favour as they led by 20 at the long break, before extending that to a 34-point margin after three quarters.

Richmond looked to claw some ground back in the final period as Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin all snapped goals to bring the lead to within 20, but the Bombers held on for a win that sees them leapfrog fourth-placed Sydney.

Jobe Watson missed out on the chance to score four goals for Essendon for the first time in his career, but still walked off the pitch as top scorer with three majors.

He's just so strong on the ball, he gives you that security that if you're going to hit it there, Jobe's going to be there.

Essendon's Paddy Ryder on captain Jobe Watson

Essendon's Paddy Ryder lauded captain Watson's effort.

"When you're in the middle and he tells you where he's going to be, you know he's going to be there all the time," Ryder told Grandstand.

"He's just so strong on the ball, he gives you that security that if you're going to hit it there, Jobe's going to be there.